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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Escort MK1 Rally Car for Sale. If you’re a rally enthusiast or a collector looking to add a classic rally car to your garage, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed overview of the Escort MK1 Rally Car, including its history, specifications, advantages, and disadvantages, and a comprehensive FAQ section. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Introduction
The Escort MK1 Rally Car is one of the most iconic rally cars in history. It was first introduced in 1968 and quickly became a favorite among rally enthusiasts around the world. The car was designed and developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, specifically for Rallying. It was built to be fast, light, and agile, with an emphasis on handling and cornering ability. The Escort MK1 Rally Car has a rich history, having won numerous championships and rallies throughout the 1970s, including the World Rally Championship in 1979.
Today, the Escort MK1 Rally Car is a highly sought-after classic rally car. Collectors and enthusiasts around the world are willing to pay top dollar for a well-maintained example of this iconic car. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a detailed overview of the Escort MK1 Rally Car, including its technical specifications, advantages, and disadvantages, and a comprehensive FAQ section to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing one of these classic rally cars.
The History of the Escort MK1 Rally Car
The Escort MK1 Rally Car was first introduced in 1968 as the successor to the Ford Cortina. It was designed and developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations division, specifically for rallying. The car was built to meet the FIA’s Group 4 regulations, which required manufacturers to build at least 400 examples of the car to be eligible for competition.
The Escort MK1 Rally Car quickly gained popularity among rally enthusiasts around the world. Its lightweight design, advanced suspension system, and powerful engine made it a formidable competitor on the rally circuit. The car won numerous championships and rallies throughout the 1970s, including the World Rally Championship in 1979.
Today, the Escort MK1 Rally Car is a highly sought-after classic rally car. Its racing success, combined with its iconic design, has made it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Technical Specifications
The Escort MK1 Rally Car was built to meet the FIA’s Group 4 regulations, which required manufacturers to build at least 400 examples of the car to be eligible for competition. The car was based on the Ford Escort road car, but it was heavily modified for rallying.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Inline-4 |
| Power | 230-250 hp |
| Torque | 200-220 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4 or 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in |
| Length | 156.5 in |
| Width | 61.5 in |
| Height | 54.5 in |
| Weight | 1,600-2,000 lbs |
| Top Speed | 120-140 mph |
Advantages of the Escort MK1 Rally Car
The Escort MK1 Rally Car has numerous advantages that make it a popular choice among rally enthusiasts and collectors:
1. Lightweight Design
The Escort MK1 Rally Car was designed to be as light as possible, which makes it incredibly agile and responsive on the rally circuit. Its lightweight design also means that it has a better power-to-weight ratio than many of its competitors, which gives it a significant advantage when it comes to acceleration and top speed.
2. Advanced Suspension System
The Escort MK1 Rally Car has an advanced suspension system that was specifically designed for rallying. It features independent front suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, and a live rear axle with leaf springs and telescopic shock absorbers. This advanced suspension system gives the car excellent handling and cornering ability, which is essential in rallying.
3. Powerful Engine
The Escort MK1 Rally Car is powered by a 2.0L inline-4 engine that produces between 230-250 horsepower and 200-220 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine, combined with the car’s lightweight design, gives it excellent acceleration and top speed.
4. Racing Success
The Escort MK1 Rally Car has a rich history of racing success. It has won numerous championships and rallies throughout the 1970s, including the World Rally Championship in 1979. This racing success has made it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Disadvantages of the Escort MK1 Rally Car
Despite its numerous advantages, the Escort MK1 Rally Car also has a few disadvantages:
1. Limited Comfort
The Escort MK1 Rally Car was designed for rallying, which means that it has a very limited interior and minimal creature comforts. The car’s suspension system is also very stiff, which can make for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride on the road.
2. High Maintenance Costs
The Escort MK1 Rally Car is a high-performance machine that requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. The car’s advanced suspension system and powerful engine can be expensive to maintain and repair.
3. Limited Availability
The Escort MK1 Rally Car is a classic rally car that is no longer in production. This means that finding a well-maintained example can be difficult, and prices for these cars are often high.
FAQs
1. What is the price range of the Escort MK1 Rally Car?
The price range for the Escort MK1 Rally Car varies depending on the car’s condition, mileage, and racing history. However, you can expect to pay between $50,000 and $150,000 for a well-maintained example.
2. How many Escort MK1 Rally Cars were produced?
Ford produced over 10,000 Escort MK1s, but only a small percentage of those were built as rally cars. To be eligible for competition, Ford had to build at least 400 examples of the rally car version.
3. What makes the Escort MK1 Rally Car so popular among collectors and enthusiasts?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car has a rich history of racing success, combined with its iconic design and advanced technology. These factors make it a highly sought-after classic rally car among collectors and enthusiasts.
4. What is the top speed of the Escort MK1 Rally Car?
The top speed of the Escort MK1 Rally Car varies depending on the car’s engine and gearing. However, most examples can reach speeds of 120-140 mph.
5. What is the power output of the Escort MK1 Rally Car?
The power output of the Escort MK1 Rally Car varies depending on the car’s engine and tuning. However, most examples produce between 230-250 horsepower.
6. How does the Escort MK1 Rally Car compare to other classic rally cars?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car is considered by many to be one of the best classic rally cars ever produced. Its lightweight design, advanced suspension system, and powerful engine give it excellent handling and cornering ability, which is essential in rallying.
7. Can the Escort MK1 Rally Car be used for road driving?
While the Escort MK1 Rally Car was primarily designed for rallying, it can be used for road driving. However, the car’s suspension system is very stiff, which can make for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride on the road.
8. How does the Escort MK1 Rally Car handle off-road terrain?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car was designed specifically for rallying, which means that it is well-equipped to handle off-road terrain. Its lightweight design, advanced suspension system, and powerful engine give it excellent handling and traction on rough terrain.
9. What kind of maintenance does the Escort MK1 Rally Car require?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car is a high-performance machine that requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. This includes regular oil changes, tune-ups, and inspections of the car’s suspension system and engine.
10. Is it difficult to find parts for the Escort MK1 Rally Car?
While the Escort MK1 Rally Car is no longer in production, many parts are still available through aftermarket suppliers and enthusiast groups. However, some parts may be difficult to find, and prices can be high.
11. What kind of racing success has the Escort MK1 Rally Car had?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car has a rich history of racing success. It won numerous championships and rallies throughout the 1970s, including the World Rally Championship in 1979.
12. What kind of modifications can be made to the Escort MK1 Rally Car?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car can be modified in many ways to improve its performance and handling. This includes engine upgrades, suspension modifications, and aerodynamic enhancements.
13. What is the fuel economy of the Escort MK1 Rally Car?
The Escort MK1 Rally Car was designed for racing, which means that its fuel economy is not a priority. However, most examples get between 10-15 miles per gallon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Escort MK1 Rally Car is a highly sought-after classic rally car with a rich history and numerous advantages. Its lightweight design, advanced suspension system, and powerful engine make it a formidable competitor on the rally circuit, and its racing success has made it a favorite among collectors and enthusiasts. However, the car’s limited comfort, high maintenance costs, and limited availability may be disadvantages for some buyers. If you’re considering purchasing an Escort MK1 Rally Car, we encourage you to do your research, take the car for a test drive, and consult with a trusted mechanic or rally car expert before making a final decision. Good luck!
Closing Words
This article is meant to serve as a comprehensive guide on the Escort MK1 Rally Car for Sale. However, it’s important to note that owning and driving a rally car can be dangerous, and there are risks involved. We strongly encourage anyone considering purchasing a rally car to take appropriate safety precautions, including wearing proper safety gear and driving responsibly. The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and we assume no liability for any actions taken as a result of reading this article. Drive safe!
